Mrs. Miller's Counseling News
Twin Oaks Elementary - Updated 12/6/21
Step into my Time Machine!
Twin Oaks Families:
One of the best presents we can give our children is the gift of self-reliance. At home and at school, we want our kids to learn skills that will help them know how to solve problems, how to avoid or repair conflicts with others and how to advocate for themselves when necessary.
Recently, I noticed that my counselor mail box was overflowing with student complaints about their peers. With that in mind, last week I introduced a new "Problem Solving Choice Wheel" (SEE EXAMPLE BELOW THIS MESSAGE) to help students resolve peer issues that often come up during recess and in the classroom. With the help of teachers and Twin Oaks support staff, I hope this new tool will empower our students to take charge. I also implemented a new yellow "Problem with Another Kid" counseling ticket(EXAMPLE BELOW). Students need to be reminded that the white counseling ticket is strictly for personal problems.
Having different colored tickets will help me sort out my priorities. The new yellow tickets will assist me in trouble-shooting specific needs within grade level or classroom bands. The yellow ticket encourages students to first try their best to resolve an issue before seeking adult intervention. Then, if their efforts fail, and the problem continues beyond a couple of days, I will step in.
What's happening in School this week: This week I will re-introduce the "Time Machine" Conflict Resolution process to all classrooms. This technique has proven to be quite effective in helping kids to respectfully revisit a problem, talk it out so that all voices are heard, apologize and forgive each other, and make a verbal commitment to let it go and start anew.
It's called the "Time Machine," because students get a chance to "go back in time" and have a "do-over!" Wouldn't we all like that opportunity? How fantastic would it be to be able to time travel, revisit our mistakes and correct them! Kids get a kick out of the concept, when I invite them to "step into my time machine." (PLEASE SEE SEVERAL PHOTOS ABOUT THE TIME MACHINE BELOW THIS MESSAGE)
Featured in this newsletter issue: Weekly Message, Classroom Counseling Lesson Schedule, How to Access Mrs. Miller Online, Parenting and Community Resources.
REMEMBER, I'm available via email and office phone Monday-Friday. Don't hesitate to reach out to me with individual needs. I'm here to support you! My email is: miller_de@4j.lane.edu. My direct office phone is: 541-790-3442. If you need to reach me outside of business hours, feel free to text or call my Google Voice number at: 541-972-3347.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Miller
Food Pantries in our area - CLICK LINK BELOW
What you need to know:
Toys for children up to age 13. Requirements: Proof of Lane County residency, proof that the child lives with you, and proof of child's age is needed. We strongly suggest you do not bring children with you. Tickets are issued to minimize the wait time but are not required to received toys on the dates of the distribution.
Juguetes para los niños menores de 13 años. Requisitos: necesita comprobante de domicilio en el Condado de Lane, comprobante que los niños viven con usted y comprobante de la edad de los niños. Sugerimos que no lleve a los niños cuando va a recoger los juguetes. Los boletos se dan anteriormente para minimizar el tiempo de espera, pero no son necesarios para recibir los juguetes en los días de las distribuciones.
Eugene/Springfield Toy Distribution Site:
Tickets Distribution Site: 2525 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Eugene, OR from 3:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 17th
Toy Distribution Site: 3106 Pierce Parkway, Springfield, OR
• Toy Distribution from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 18 • Toy Distribution from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 19th
Distribución de Boletos: 2525 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Eugen de 3:30 - 7:30 p.m. el Viernes, 17 de diciembre.
Distribución de los Juguetes: 3106 Pierce Parkway, Springfield, OR
• Distribución: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. el sábado, 18 de diciembre • Distribución: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. el domingo, 19 de diciembre